The Elimination Diet and eating clean

Hey folks!

So, it’s been a bit since I’ve written a blog. It’s interesting because I LOVE WRITING, almost as much as I love to work with my peeps! Anyhoo, here I am writing on one of my other most favorite things…FOOD!

Back in March or April I did a 21-day eating clean challenge with some wonderful clients (I also participated to a degree) and we all had great results! During this challenge the following foods were eliminated:

Wheat (gluten)
Soy
Corn
Dairy
Caffeine
Eggs
Refined Sugar
Alcohol
Shellfish
Peanuts
White potatoes
White flour
any processed food sold in a package ( chips, food mixes, snacks, snack bars, popcorn, pizza, etc, with the exception of some gf bread)

Why did I extend this challenge? These foods are known sources of inflammation in the body. Inflammation can lead to joint pain, digestive issues, sleep disturbances and weight gain just to name a few issues. By eliminating these foods for 21 days most all clients reported feeling less irritable, a marked weight loss of 5-7 pounds, more bowel regularity, and increased energy (despite the no caffeine). Some clients added things back in that they missed, and they were encouraged to take note on how they felt with each addition, helping them to pinpoint specific symptoms to everyday food/drink consumption. It was a really fun session to lead and very telling for the participants. I enjoyed finding recipes to fit their lifestyle and tried to find family-friendly ones to get everyone involved.

Are you wondering what foods there are left to eat? Did they just eat lettuce the entire time?! The short answer is no; they ate food as it’s intended to be eaten! Fruits and vegetables, cooked and raw. We learned how to sprout beans- making them more nutritious and easier to digest. Some oats and brown rice. Minimal animal protein. We enjoyed lots of tasty homemade snacks and bars with raw nuts, dates, coconut and raw honey. It was an adventure in discovery and creativity in the kitchen.

I will host another challenge in August, so stay tuned…

So…I like this philosophy of eating clean and detoxifying. When my naturopath, Dr. Charlotte Massey here in Bozeman, MT suggested the book The Elimination Diet (and you can find more information here) for some symptoms I’ve been struggling with, I was very excited to try! (I also like to follow rules, so this made me a little happy!)

The Elimination Diet has 3 phases: detox for the first 2-4 days, phase 2 adding in some nutrients (meats, grains, seeds) that have been missed, and phase 3 the experimental phase. I’m on day 8 and I feel awesome so far! I spent 3 days in the detox phase which consists of smoothies, juice and cleansing soups.

When I started, I was worried: life without a little bourbon?! I love coffee! Will I have energy to workout?! Once I figured out nutrient timing, I was energized and feeling great! I also ended up ordering a Nutri Ninja because making smoothies is a love affair I’ve started now and making them in my food processor was a MESS!

Here’s my favorite smoothie recipe (from The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook (creators of The Elimination Diet):

Avocado-banana green smoothie

2 to 4 servings

1 medium banana
1 small avocado
2 cups packed fresh spinach
one 1″ piece fresh ginger
one 1″ piece fresh turmeric
2 to 2.5 cups coconut water
Place all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately, or pour into glass jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze Popsicle molds.*

* I haven’t made popsicles yet, but I will!

I highly recommend giving this way of feeding you (and your loved ones) a whirl ESPECIALLY if you’ve been experiencing: brain fog, anxiety/depression, joint pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, weight gain (or stagnant weight loss) or any host of other physiological symptoms. The best part? YOU GET TO EAT FOOD! Food you can create in your home with your own hands (and appliances)!

I will keep you all posted on my journey, but so far it’s been dreamy; I’ve not missed my bourbon-or any other cocktails- or coffee (too much!). I did crave bread.

However, I’ve been sleeping solidly, have experienced more clarity of thought, abundant energy and less digestive issues. Which, for me outweigh the cravings.

This may be the change you’ve been looking for…nourish your body with nutrient dense foods; it’s incredible we have the power to do this.

Oh, and get sweaty!

Jessica

This entry was posted in HealthStyle, Recipes on July 11, 2016 by Jessica.

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